Fluid dispensing brush

ABSTRACT

A dispensing brush for dispensing a predetermined fluid on a head of hair. The dispensing brush includes a reservoir located within the brush head for retention of the predetermined fluid. The brush works without actuators or other mechanical devices for controlling flow of the fluid. The reservoir is in fluid communication with openings located on the top surface of the brush. The reservoir may have a funnel-like shape, which assists in regulating flow of fluid through the openings. The openings are centrally aligned on the top surface of the brush, and are located among the bristles of the brush.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/223,584, filed 19 Aug. 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a dispensing brush. More specifically,the present invention relates to a dispensing brush having a reservoirfor retaining a predetermined fluid, such as a hair-coloring product.The predetermined fluid is dispensed through dispenser apertures.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The idea of applying a viscous liquid to the hair or scalp is not new.Many coloring products, hair gels, and conditioners are used to manageor style a head of hair. Dispersal of the product evenly over the hairis of concern during application to the hair. Many known applicatordevices do not give the control necessary to evenly disperse a liquidwhile styling hair. Other devices may disperse liquid evenly, but do soin limited amounts such that multiple applications may be needed.Further, some devices are limited to dispersal of liquid havingviscosity within a narrow range.

For example, Thiruppathi (U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,290) teaches dispersingliquids onto the hair by way of a spray pump and nozzle incorporatedwithin a hairbrush. However spray nozzles, such as those disclosedtherein, accommodate liquids of moderate viscosity, rather than moreviscous fluids that may be needed in hair coloring, for example.Furthermore, a spray nozzle may cover an area larger than required,leading to excess use of the liquid, and a lack of control overdispersal.

Another dispensing brush is disclosed in Velardi (U.S. Pat. No.3,868,188). This disclosure suggests a toothbrush in which liquid isdispensed through bristles. However, the bristles of this design maybecome clogged, leading to uneven dispersal of the fluid. Also, sincethe fluid flow is manually controlled, this device does not easily lenditself to application of a hair product. While brushes may have beendeveloped that dispense fluids, the shortcomings of uneven disbursementof the fluids and unnecessary manipulation of the brush by the user havenot been adequately solved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To ameliorate the noted concerns of known dispenser brushes, it is anobject of the present invention to provide a novel liquid dispensinghairbrush that is easy to use and control, and may be used with avariety of fluids. The brush includes a hollow, refillable reservoir forstoring the fluid to be dispersed, and a plurality of dispersal openingscommunicating with the reservoir. The device of the present inventionevenly disperses a predetermined fluid onto a head of hair or a scalpwithout need of manual regulation by the user. The hairbrush is designedto use gravity in the dispensing process rather than the pumps orcontrols seen in known devices.

A predetermined fluid, such as a hair colorant, is preferably added tothe device through a, fill aperture in one end of the brush. The fillaperture is in fluid communication with the brush reservoir. Once thereservoir is filled, the aperture may be closed with a plug or otherstop means thereby retaining the fluid in the reservoir. The brushfurther includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surfacepreferably includes a plurality bristles extending normal to the topsurface, and a plurality of dispenser openings. The dispenser openingsbeing in fluid communication with the brush reservoir. The dimensionsand alignment of the dispenser openings in the top of the brush allowthe user to easily control even dispersal of fluid on a head of hair.The following description will explain the invention in more detail.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing brush according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plain view of the dispensing brush seen in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded, longitudinal section of the dispensingbrush seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, and taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the dispensing brush seen in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 shows the dispensing brush of FIGS. 1-4 in use with on a head ofhair.

FIG. 6 shows the dispensing brush of FIGS. 1-5 and a head of hair afterapplication of fluid by the dispensing brush.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a dispensingbrush according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of adispensing brush according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the brush of FIG. 8 taken along the line9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the brush of FIG. 8 taken along the line10-10 of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodimentsherein disclosed merely exemplify the invention that may be embodied inother specific structure. While the preferred embodiment has beendescribed, the details may be changed without departing from theinvention, which is defined by the claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a fluid dispensing brush 10is shown. The dispensing brush 10 includes a handle portion 12 and ahead portion 14, and may be fabricated from any suitable material suchas plastic, metal, wood, or other rigid material. The handle portion 12may be of any shape that allows for easy manual gripping of thedispensing brush 10 and includes a proximal end 16 and a distal end 18.The head portion 14 of the dispensing brush 10 has a first end 15 and asecond end 17. The head portion 14 of the dispensing brush 10 isconnected to the proximal end 16 of the handle portion 12 at the firstend 15 of the head portion 14. The head portion 14 further includes atleast a top surface 20 and a bottom surface 19, with the top surface 20holding a plurality of bristles 22 and further including a plurality ofdispenser openings 24. The handle portion 12 and the head portion 14 asshown are fabricated from one piece of material, but it is to beunderstood that the dispensing brush 10 may be fabricated from multipleparts, if desired.

As seen particularly in the view of FIG. 4, a fill aperture 26 ispreferably located at the second end 17 of head portion 14. A plug 28removably engages the aperture 26, thereby allowing a predeterminedfluid, such as a hair coloring fluid, to be placed and retained in areservoir 30 (shown in FIG. 3) within the head portion 14. The reservoir30 is preferably in fluid communication with the dispenser openings 24and the fill aperture 26.

FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of the dispensing brush 10. As seen, thedispenser openings 24 are preferably located on the top surface 20 ofthe head portion 14 and are centrally situated between multiple linearrows of bristles 22, with the linear rows of bristles 22 being alignedalong the central, longitudinal axis of the dispensing brush 10. Thedispenser openings 24 are preferably located centrally on the topsurface 20 of the head portion 14, and between the linear rows ofbristles 22 to thereby cause the bristles 22 to control the alignment ofthe hair before and after application of a fluid and cause evenplacement of fluid by the dispenser openings 24. The dispenser openings24 are preferably aligned in a linear configuration to aid in evendispersal of a predetermined fluid 38. The dispenser openings 24 includean inner diameter 24A. The inner diameter 24A is preferably at leastapproximately 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) in diameter to allow thepredetermined fluid to flow from the reservoir 30 and through thedispenser openings 24. The number of rows of the bristles 22 on eitherside of the dispenser openings 24 is not critical to the scope of theinvention and may vary according to user preference.

In FIG. 3, a section view of the dispensing brush 10 is shown as takenalong a central, longitudinal axis. As seen, dispenser openings 24 arepreferably in fluid communication with the reservoir 30. The fillaperture 26, which is also in fluid communication with the reservoir 30,includes a removable plug 28 for retention of fluid (not shown in thisview) in the reservoir 30. While FIG. 3 illustrates the plug 28 as beingthreaded, any plug 28 that will removably engage and seal the aperture26 will suffice, such as that having an interference fit.

As further shown particularly in FIG. 3, the dispenser openings 24 eachinclude a respective longitudinally extending collar portion 40, whichis elevated above the top surface 20 of the head portion 14. While eachof the dispenser openings 24 is shown having a collar portion 40, it isto be understood that the dispensing brush 10 may include at least onedispenser opening without the collar portion 40. The respective collarportions 40 of the dispenser openings 24 are preferably elevated apredetermined height above the top surface 20 of the head portion 14.The predetermined height is preferably approximately 0.125 inches(0.3175 cm), although it is to be understood that the present inventionmay be practiced using greater or lesser heights, depending on userpreference. For example, the height of the collar portions 40 above thetop surface 20 could be greater than 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm), but aless viscous fluid may not dispense evenly if the height is much lessthan 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm). The collar portions 40 function toinhibit uncontrolled liquid dispersal from the dispenser openings 24.Further, the entire height of the dispenser openings 24, from thereservoir 30 to the top of a respective collar portion 40 is preferably0.25 inches (0.635 cm). This height allows adequate control of apredetermined fluid during passage from the reservoir 30, to exit onto ahead of hair (See FIGS. 5 and 6). Again, although 0.25 inches (0.635 cm)is preferable, the height may be decreased or increased according to theviscosity of the fluid used, or user preference.

FIG. 4 shows an end view of the dispensing brush 10 viewed from thesecond end 17 of the head portion 14. As seen, the reservoir 30 isaligned with the dispenser openings 24 along the center of thedispensing brush 10. The dispenser openings 24 are symmetrically locatedbetween the rows of the multiple linear rows of the bristles 22.Likewise, the fill aperture 26 is also aligned with the reservoir 30 forfacile filling with a predetermined fluid (not shown). As seen, the fillaperture 26 preferably includes a diameter 26A of at least approximately0.25 inches (0.635 cm) in diameter for a viscous fluid to properly enterthe reservoir 30. The fill aperture diameter 26A may be more thanapproximately 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) in diameter, but it is notrecommended for the aperture diameter 26A to be much less thanapproximately 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) in diameter for applicable flow ofa viscous fluid.

Referring now to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the dispensing brush 10 is shown inuse to apply a predetermined fluid 38 to a head of hair 36. Thedispensing brush 10 is brought through the hair 36 with the bristles 22facing towards the hair 36. As the bristles 22 of the dispensing brush10 pass through the hair 36, the predetermined fluid 38 is dispensedthrough the dispenser openings 24 and onto the hair 36. After thedispensing brush 10 is pulled through the hair 36, the fluid 38 is leftbehind on the hair 36 (See FIG. 6). The design of the bristles 22 aroundthe openings 24 and the height of the collar portions 40 above the topsurface 20 allow the fluid 38 to be evenly dispersed over the head ofhair 36, as is shown by the streaks of the fluid 38 in FIG. 6. The headof hair 36 is evenly treated with the fluid 38, with relative ease onthe behalf of the user.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention wherein the fill aperture 26 is located on the bottomsurface 19 of head portion 14. As in the previous embodiment, the plug28 preferably removably engages the aperture 26 with the reservoir 30 influid communication with the dispenser openings 24 and the fill aperture26.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the dispensingbrush 100. The dispensing brush 100 builds on the previous embodimentsby enhancing the features that allow the brush to operate without theneed of valves or discharge assistants to allow the fluid 38 to dispensefrom the dispensing brush 100. The dispensing brush 100 comprises ahandle portion 102 and a head portion 104 that forms a reservoir 105.The head portion 104 has a closed end 106 and an open end 108. The openend 108 provides a fill aperture 110 for the fluid 38 to be poured intothe reservoir 105. The open end 108 will be closed with a cover 109. Thecover 109 may also be considered a plug for closing the fill aperture110. Alternatively, a second fill aperture 112 with a second plug 114,similar to the aperture 26 and the plug 28 of the previous embodiments,may be used to fill the reservoir 105 with the fluid 38 (not shown). Thefill aperture 112 is preferably located in an end portion 113 of thehead portion 104. The end portion 113 is understood to be the side ofthe brush 100 opposite of the bristles 22. The relationship of thereservoir 105 and the second fill aperture 112 will be discussed furtherwith respect to FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show sectional views of the dispensing brush 100. As inthe previous embodiments, the reservoir 105 is in fluid communicationwith a plurality of dispenser openings 116 that are each surrounded by arespective collar 118. The collars 118 and dispenser openings 116 aresized similarly as the previous embodiments. The inner diameter 116 a ofthe dispenser openings is preferably approximately 0.125 inches (0.3175cm), although it is to be understood that the present invention may bepracticed using a greater or lesser diameter, depending on userpreference and the viscosity of the fluid. Likewise, the height of thecollars 118 extending from the reservoir 105 is preferably approximately0.25 inches (0.635 cm), but the height may be varied and still fallwithin the scope of the invention.

Still referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the inner diameter 116A and theheight 118A of the collar 118 are significant dimensions for the presentinvention. Because the present invention does not need actuators, pumps,or other mechanical contraptions to activate the flow of the fluid 38through the openings 116, the dimensions were designed to specificallyallow for an even flow of the fluid 38. The dimensions allow the fluid38 to form a meniscus 120 at the discharge end of the collars 118. Themeniscus 120 forms because surface tension allows the fluid 38 to beheld within the collars 118 and the reservoir 105 until the brush 100 ismoved through the head of hair 36 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). This is asignificant advantage over the prior art in that it simplifies theoverall mechanics needed for a properly functioning brush.

Referring further to FIGS. 9 and 10, the reservoir 105 is shown having afunnel-like or teardrop shape. Such an arrangement also contributes tothe functionality of the brush 100. Because the dispensing of the fluid38 occurs only when the meniscus 120 is broken when the brush comes incontact with the hair 36 (FIGS. 5 and 6), the teardrop shape of thereservoir 105 further assists in providing retention means for the fluid38 within the reservoir 105 when the brush 100 is not in use. While theshown shape is preferred, other shapes, such as possible pyramidicalshapes or triangular shapes would fall within the scope of the presentinvention. The funnel shape provides enough tension so that fluid 38 isretained within the reservoir 105 when the brush 100 is not in use. Thesecond fill aperture 112 and the plug 114 may also contribute to thefluid 38 being held within the reservoir 105. When the plug 114 issecured within the aperture 112, constant pressure is applied to thefluid 38 within the reservoir 105, which will make it even harder forthe fluid 38 to escape from the brush 100 when the brush 100 is not inuse, allowing the brush 100 to be stored with fluid 38 within the brush100. The constant pressure on the fluid 38 will force the fluid 38downwardly towards the dispenser openings 116, but, because of thefunnel-like shape of the reservoir 38, the amount of fluid pushedtowards the openings 116 is greater than the area of the openings 116.The extra force exerted on the fluid 38 will prevent leakage through theopenings 116. Thus, the plug 114 provides partial pressurized retentionmeans for the fluid 38 when the plug 114 is secured within the aperture112. The plug 114 and the aperture 112 act as a venturi or a carburetorthat can assist in dispensing the fluid 38 from the brush 100. Thoughnot necessary, it is preferred that the plug 114 be removed from theaperture 112 when using the brush 100 for a more even flow of the fluid38, which can be more advantageous for the user to regulate fluid flow,without mechanical devices or actuators. However, the brush will stillwork properly if the plug 114 is secured within the second aperture 112when dispensing the fluid 38.

The present invention presents a dispensing brush that has simplifiedand economized hair styling and coloring procedures. The brush functionsby utilizing the concepts of surface tension and gravity in a mannerthat has not been previously used or known in the art of hairstyling.The brush does not need levers, actuators, or other moving parts todispense the fluid from the brush. Also, the fluid will flow out of thebrush evenly without manipulation and control necessary by theindividual user. Likewise, the brush will retain fluid within the brushuntil application without needing to plug or close the dispenseropenings. Thus, the brush delivers regulated fluid in a much moreefficient manner than previous devices known or used in the hairstylingfield.

The brush also provides a more economical manner for coloring andstreaking a head of hair. Previously, a person would have to go to astylist, who would spend considerable time and effort for the streakingprocess. It was difficult for the user to properly streak one's own hairin an even fashion. The present invention allows the individual to colorhis or her own hair, quickly and affordably.

While the above description is illustrative of the invention, numerousmodifications to the invention may occur without changing the scope ofthe invention. For instance, the shape of the handle and head of thebrush may be changed while still being within the bounds of theinvention. Likewise, the length and width of the brush may be modified,and the number of bristles and openings, and the size of the fluidreservoir may be modified as deemed necessary.

1. A dispensing brush comprising: a handle portion, said handle portionincluding a proximal end and a distal end, a head portion, said headportion including a first end and an oppositely disposed second end,said first end of said head portion connected to said proximal end ofsaid handle portion, said head portion having a top surface and a bottomsurface, a plurality of bristles laterally extending from the topsurface of said head portion, a fluid reservoir, said fluid reservoirlocated in said head portion, a fill aperture, said aperture being influid communication with said reservoir, a plug removably engaging saidfill aperture, said top surface of said head portion including aplurality of dispenser openings, said dispenser openings being in fluidcommunication with said fluid reservoir, said dispenser openings havinga predetermined diameter, said predetermined diameter providing asurface tension to said fluid at an open end of the dispenser openings,said surface tension retaining the fluid within said reservoir untilopenings come into contact with an external surface.
 2. The dispensingbrush of claim 1 wherein said fill aperture is located in said secondend of said head portion.
 3. The dispensing brush of claim 1 whereinsaid fill aperture is located on said bottom surface of said headportion.
 4. The dispensing brush of claim 1 wherein said plurality ofbristles is arranged in multiple linear patterns.
 5. The dispensingbrush of claim 4, wherein said plurality of dispenser openings islongitudinally aligned along a central axis of said top surface of saidhead portion, said openings being centrally located between saidmultiple linear patterns of bristles.
 6. The dispensing brush of claim1, wherein said fill aperture has a diameter of at least 0.25 inches(0.635 cm).
 7. The dispensing brush of claim 1 wherein at least one ofsaid plurality of dispenser openings includes a surrounding collar, saidcollar elevated a predetermined height above said top surface of saidhead portion.
 8. The dispensing brush of claim 7, wherein saidpredetermined height is at least 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm).
 9. Thedispensing brush of claim 4, wherein said reservoir is adapted toreceive a fluid through said fill aperture.
 10. The dispensing brush ofclaim 5, wherein said plurality of dispenser openings is adapted todispense a fluid from said reservoir.
 11. A method for applying a fluidto a head of hair consisting of the steps: providing a head of hair;providing a dispenser brush, said brush including a handle portion and ahead portion; said head portion including a first end and a second end;said first end of said head portion connected proximally to said handleportion; said head portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, aplurality of bristles laterally extending from said top surface, a fluidreservoir located in said head portion, and a fill aperture; said fillaperture being in fluid communication with said reservoir, a plugremovably engaging said fill aperture, said top surface of said headincluding a plurality of openings, said openings being in fluidcommunication with said reservoir; filling the reservoir of thedispensing brush with a predetermined fluid; and passing said bristlesthrough said head of hair, thereby dispensing said predetermined fluidfrom the reservoir through said dispenser openings onto the head ofhair.
 12. A dispensing brush for dispensing a fluid onto a head of hairwithout needing an actuator valve or discharge assistant to dispense thefluid, said dispensing brush comprising: a handle portion, said handleportion including a proximal end and a distal end, a head portion, saidhead portion including a first end and an oppositely disposed secondend, said first end of said head portion connected to said proximal endof said handle portion, said head portion having a top surface, aplurality of bristles laterally extending from the top surface of saidhead portion, a fluid reservoir, said fluid reservoir located in saidhead portion, a fill aperture, said aperture being in fluidcommunication with said reservoir, a plug removably engaging said fillaperture, said top surface of said head portion including a plurality ofdispenser openings, said dispenser openings being in fluid communicationwith said fluid reservoir, said dispenser openings having apredetermined diameter, said predetermined diameter providing a surfacetension to said fluid at an open end of the dispenser openings, saidsurface tension retaining the fluid within said reservoir until saidsurface tension is broken by contact with an external surface.
 13. Thedispensing brush of claim 12 wherein said head portion has a bottomsurface and said fill aperture is located in said second end of saidhead portion.
 14. The dispensing brush of claim 12 wherein said fillaperture is located on said bottom surface of said head portion.
 15. Thedispensing brush of claim 12 wherein said plurality of bristles isarranged in multiple linear patterns.
 16. The dispensing brush of claim15, wherein said plurality of dispenser openings is longitudinallyaligned along a central axis of said top surface of said head portion,said openings being centrally located between said multiple linearpatterns of bristles.
 17. The dispensing brush of claim 12, wherein saidfill aperture has a diameter of at least 0.25 inches (0.635 cm).
 18. Thedispensing brush of claim 12 wherein at least one of said plurality ofdispenser openings includes a surrounding collar, said collar elevated apredetermined height above said top surface of said head portion. 19.The dispensing brush of claim 18, wherein said predetermined height isat least 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm).
 20. The dispensing brush of claim 19,wherein said reservoir is adapted to receive a fluid through said fillaperture.
 21. The dispensing brush of claim 16, wherein said pluralityof dispenser openings is adapted to dispense a fluid from saidreservoir.
 22. A fluid dispensing brush comprising: a handle portion,said handle portion including a proximal end and a distal end, a headportion, said head portion including a first end and an oppositelydisposed second end, said first end of said head portion connected tosaid proximal end of said handle portion, said head portion having a topsurface, a plurality of bristles laterally extending from the topsurface of said head portion, a fluid reservoir having a funnel-likeshape, said fluid reservoir located in said head portion, a fillaperture, said aperture being in fluid communication with saidreservoir, a plug removably engaging said fill aperture, said topsurface of said head portion including a plurality of dispenseropenings, said dispenser openings being in fluid communication with saidfunnel-like fluid reservoir, said funnel-like shape providing retentionmeans for said fluid within said reservoir.
 23. The fluid dispensingbrush according to claim 22 wherein said dispenser openings have apredetermined diameter, said predetermined diameter providing surfacetension for said fluid, said surface tension providing further means forretaining said fluid within said reservoir.
 24. The dispensing brush ofclaim 23 wherein said plurality of bristles is arranged in multiplelinear patterns.
 25. The dispensing brush of claim 24, wherein saidplurality of dispenser openings is longitudinally aligned along acentral axis of said top surface of said head portion, said openingsbeing centrally located between said multiple linear patterns ofbristles.
 26. The dispensing brush of claim 25 wherein at least one ofsaid plurality of dispenser openings includes a surrounding collar, saidcollar elevated a predetermined height above said top surface of saidhead portion.
 27. The dispensing brush of claim 26, wherein saidpredetermined height is about approximately 0.25 inches (0.635 cm). 28.The dispensing brush according to claim 23 wherein said predetermineddiameter of said openings is approximately about 0.125 inches (0.3175cm).
 29. The dispensing brush according to claim 22 further comprising asecond fill aperture and a second plug removably secured within saidsecond fill aperture, said second fill in aperture in fluidcommunication with said reservoir.
 30. The dispensing brush according toclaim 30 wherein said second plug providing pressurized retention meanswhen said plug is secured within said second fill aperture.
 31. Adispensing brush for dispensing a fluid comprising: a handle portion,said handle portion including a proximal end and a distal end, a headportion, said head portion including a first end and an oppositelydisposed second end, said first end of said head portion connected tosaid proximal end of said handle portion, said head portion having a topsurface and a bottom surface, a plurality of bristles laterallyextending from the top surface of said head portion, a fluid reservoirhaving a funnel-like shape, said fluid reservoir located in said headportion, a first fill aperture located in said second end of said headportion, said aperture being in fluid communication with said reservoir,a first plug removably engaging said fill aperture, said top surface ofsaid head portion including a plurality of dispenser openings, saiddispenser openings being in fluid communication with said funnel-likefluid reservoir, said funnel-like shape providing retention means forsaid fluid within said reservoir; a second fill aperture located withinsaid bottom portion of said brush; a second plug removably engaging saidfill aperture, said plug providing further retention mean for said fluidwhen said plug engages said second fill aperture; and wherein said brushis void of mechanical discharge means for discharging said fluid.